On 17 August 2018, the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) conducted “adopt-a-site” and tree planting activity held at the boundary of Barangay Bitin, Bay and Barangay Limao, Calauan in Laguna. The activity was part of the project funded by the Philippine Geothermal Power Company, Inc. (PGPC). It aimed to enhance the number of forest trees suited to the area of Mounts Bulalo and Makiling and at the same time to showcase its effectiveness in preventing and controlling soil erosion, surface run-off and depletion of top nutrient soil through the use of different soil and water conservation methods.
The site used for the activity was selected using the following criterion: sloping area, waterways during heavy rains and tree species composition. Seedlings planted in the site were raised from the community nursery of the project in Barangay Limao, Calauan, Laguna. A total of 315 indigenous forest tree seedlings (i.e. balakat gubat, ipil, malaipil, banuyo, bakauan gubat, balitbitan, tambis) were planted. The activity adopted the contour farming/planting technology in sloping areas. Hedgerows were established along the contours and cash crops were planted in the alleys between hedges.
A total of 51 participants from PGPC Inc.; National Power Corporation Makiling Banahaw Watershed Area Team (NPC-MBWAT); and farmers from Brgy. Limao, Calauan, Laguna and Brgy. Bitin, Bay, Laguna participated the “adopt-a-site” activity.
A short program led by a prayer started the activity. It was followed by messages from two participating barangays and from Mr. Victor E. Dugan of PGPC. For. Nicasio M. Balahadia, Project Leader, gave the rationale of the activities and how it will be conducted. Activities included during the “adopt-a-site” were tree planting and hedgerows establishment.
Present also in the activity were For. Rolly V. Breva, and For. Myranel S. Canceran.
RVBreva and MSCanceran
Photos credit to: MSCanceran
